No rent to be charged for chopper services from disaster affected people: U’khand govt

The Uttarakhand government has denied the social media reports that it was charging from the disaster affected people in Pithorgarh for helicopter services being used for their evacuation.

“Social media reports (about the government charging from the disaster affected people in Pithoragarh for rescuing them through helicopter services) are misleading,” a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said.

As per the note, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has directed officials to arrange for one helicopter each for Garhwal and Kumaon for relief and rescue operations in disaster affected areas.

“The arrangement has been made in view of the possibility of heavy rains,” it read. “Clear instructions have (also) been given to the heli transport companies that no rent will be taken from people trapped in the disaster hit areas and local citizens.”

“When the helicopters are not needed for relief (and rescue operations), only at that time they can be used for flying travellers (who are not disaster affected) from Dharchula to Gunji. For (such air travels) a fare of Rs 2500 (and GST) each can be charged from the passengers.”

“This fare”, the note further said, “has been fixed only for non-rescue flights.”